Kelowna could be home to the 2026 Memorial Cup.
The Kelowna Rockets in partnership with the City of Kelowna put in a bid for the 2026 event, potentially fulfilling a plan scuttled four years ago by the pandemic.
Mayor Tom Dyas said lessons learned from the first bid make those involved with this round “stronger and even more determined than ever” and by Dec. 14, they expect to hear the event will belong to the city.
“The Kelowna Rockets have always been a source of excitement and inspiration for our community and bringing this event back to our city will not only bring excitement around our home team, our arena and our loyal fan base for years to come, but also bring significant economic and social benefits to our community,” Dyas said.
Based on past studies the event is anticipated to bring more than $15 million in economic activity to the region, creating “more jobs and more opportunities.”
However, it will take a multi-million dollar investment to get the event.
After the 2020 Memorial Cup was brought to a halt by the pandemic, it was thought that Kelowna would host it in 2023.
That plan fell flat when Prospera Place was found to fall short on the requirements from the Canadian Hockey League.
A 2022 audit of the building found significant deficiencies including the lack of dressing rooms and adequate lighting.
Who was to blame for that was up for debate by the city, the Rockets hockey team, and the company that owns Prospera Place, the GSL Group.
On Thursday, Dyas said the city is prepared to foot the bill for the needed upgrades to the building.
Already $3.7 million has been put aside for the upgrades in the city’s capital budget. The funds will come specifically from the 2023 surplus, meaning there will be no incremental fees required and no tax increase.
Among the items already set for investment are the scoreboard, rink lighting, audio system and a permanent media facility. New Zambonis are also on the list.
These, Dyas said, are legacy improvements.
“The improvements will have benefits and impacts beyond the Memorial Cup, as they will prepare the city for the upcoming large-scale events like the 2025 Briar and the 2025 Canadian Country Music Awards,” Dyas said.
Dyas went on to say that GSL has been a partner in bringing entertainment culture and sports to the city and they appreciate their contribution.
Kelowna last hosted the prestigious tournament in 2004 with Captain Josh Gorges, 18-year-old defenceman Shea Weber and eventual tournament MVP goaltender Kelly Guard. The Rockets went on to capture the 2004 Memorial Cup on home ice in front of a sold-out crowd at Prospera Place.
The 2026 Memorial Cup will be the 106th edition of the tournament, which features the playoff champions from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, in addition to the WHL host team.